Ok. Old issue, new entry. I need to talk about 377A, again, I'm afraid.

To the ignorant, Section 377A "Outrages on decency" of the Penal Code states:

Any male person who, in public or private, commits, or abets the commission of, or procures or attempts to procure the commission by any male person of, any act of gross indecency with another male person, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to 2 years.

I dont mean to be so much of an activist, as I normally steer clear of politics, but this time, I guess the rights of my friends are being infringed upon and I dont think that's very fair. My words are weak, I dont have an amazing vocabulary, and my grammatical errors are rampant. My heart speaks to you, my readers, and I hope you will pass the word. I dont mean to preach, I just want people to realise, and take a stand, because we need all the support that we may potentially have.

As most of you possibly know, the last parliamentary debate in September ended in tears and anger for the queer community. Because apparently the "majority" has spoken and they were completely against the idea of people having anal sex behind closed doors.

[Side note: anal and oral sex between a consenting male and female conducting privately has been made legal.]

Yesterday, the second parliamentary debate was held. Two NMPs took the extreme stands towards 377A. The video can be found here:

http://www.straitstimes.com/Video+News/Singapore/STIVodcast_2881.html?playid=2881&type=Singapore

NMP Thio's tone of disgust angered me. And that's all I'm gonna say. I'll leave it up to you guys to make your own judgements, and hopefully spread the word. I think now is not the time to lie on your couch and pretend that nothing is happening. Every effort counts. Every effort to let our nation realise that gay people are not monsters/freaks. Every effort to let our nation realise that gay people are everywhere, in the trains that we take, in the shopping centres we frequent, and on the tv we watch. Are they truly that repulsive?

I'm intending to sell tshirts. Something along the lines of "repeal 377a", "its not just a gay thing, its about equality". And perhaps print the pledge by the back of the shirt.

We the citizens of singapore
Pledge ourselves as one united people
Regardless of race, language, or religion
To build a democratic society
Based on justice and equality
So as to achieve happiness, prosperity and progress for our people.

I'm hoping to take a soft approach for this issue. Cos as we all should have realised, all these debating only served to stir up negative reactions from both parties. [Some of you might have realised that as the online petiton www.repeal377a.com was put up, other online peitions such as keep377a.com, retain377a.com, pro377a.blogspot.com started to sprout.] This shirt will be free, although donations will be greatly appreciated. People who would like to help out in this process, do get back to me, cos, as you ALL should know, I'm not in Singapore.

I will leave you guys with the video, spread it as you wish.

Hello friends, and random people reading my blog.

I'm in England as you all should know. Reason that I havent quite been online as much as I'd like to be is because, I havent got internet connection in my house. Because the people are short-handed and apparently too busy setting up internet connection in other people's homes. 13th was the date they initially quoted us, but now, it doesnt look like its happening. They told us 26th, but they're trying to change it to an earlier date. You think?

Bloody British. What's more? The entire Royal Mail for England has decided to go on a strike. Yup. They've done it for a week already, but apparently they're gonna do it for ANOTHER week starting Monday. That means, my cheque book aint coming, my textbooks aint coming, my mail aint being sent, and I will not be expecting any art material from my mother coming thru the mail anytime soon. Bloody British.

Anyways, that said, you are always welcomed to send me stuffs. A simple postcard will make my seeing mail through the mail slot so much more exciting. The address you'll have to write is this:

17 Clapham Terrace
Leamington Spa
CV31 1HY
United Kingdom

Weet.

Anyway, this year looks like a better year. I've packed myself full with art classes, singing classes, philosophy classes, Polish theatre classes, juggling classes, photography sessions, stewarding for the Arts Centre, and of course, falling asleep in every single bloody lecture I have. Honestly, I havent got a clue what's my course for this year is about. I just vaguely remembering drawing some graphs on me paper, dozing off for 3/4s of the lesson, and leaving the lecture hall in a jiffy to get to my other exciting activities. Can you guys see where this is going? Yea, of course you can. :P

Just so you know, london Youth Music Theatre audiitons are coming up. Registration for Summer School opens next year. I can see myself ahem...barely making it for my degree. HUR.

School's getting slightly more exciting I must say. I am FINALLY meeting interesting people. The other day at the cafe, I was using my laptop when the girl sitting at the same table as me decided to start talking to me. I must say, she was slightly mad, and we got along perfectly. My Polish Theatre class people are REALLY interesting, and talking to them is completely NOT a chore, unlike talking to people from Economics. The people at my Art Class are ALL retirees/pensioners. Ie. above the age of what, 60? or more. They're so laid back and easy going its wicked. One lady just kept going on about how pretty I am, and hence she is EXTREMELY kind to me. :) aww. Love them old people.

Anyway, that said. I'm gonna stop just abouts here. I'm tapping into my neighbour's internet, and may get cut off anytime soon. And I've got a bloody tissue shoved right up my nose (hur) cos it's plotting to run away. That means shower time and bedtime. Toodless my friends, and other random people reading my blog.

Much love sent from Bloody Britain.